A north local enterprise company reported steady progress today (Tuesday, 28 August, 2001) with several key projects coming to fruition during the past 12 months and a lot to look forward to in the future.

The results were revealed when Orkney Enterprise launched their tenth annual report on their activities across the county during the past year.

Chairman of Orkney Enterprise, Ken Watson outlined how their work across all business sectors in promoting Orkney's quality image and marketing had been crucial in helping the area's farming and tourism businesses recover more quickly from the effects of the foot and mouth crisis.

He added: "We were heavily involved in several significant projects during the year and are just beginning to see the results of these now. We helped influence the decision to install a £1.9 million instrument landing system and new terminal building at Kirkwall Airport, and worked alongside Northlink, who will operate the new ferry contract from Stromness, to ensure the new service lives up to expectations. Both developments will offer significant economic benefits to businesses and more reliable access for travellers to and from the area."

The report highlights how an investment of £772,800 was made by Orkney Enterprise across 85 business development projects. These awards helped create or retain 177 jobs and lever in over £3.5 million of private money - more than £4.50 for every pound of public investment.

The greatest demand for these services came from the food and drink sector and tourism businesses. The construction of a new Orkney Cheese Company factory attracted assistance worth £200,000 towards equipment, safeguarding the livelihoods of 26 dairy farmers, 40 farm workers and 33 creamery staff.

Orkney Glass Fibre received £25,930 to produce a range of specialist one-off products including the Scapa Boat range. This development will create 3-4 jobs over the next two years.

The government's training initiative for young people, Skillseekers, saw 286 youngsters undertake employment based training and placements in all sectors of the business community and 77 vocational qualifications were achieved during the year in a wide variety of disciplines. In total, £806,000 was invested by Orkney Enterprise to develop the skills base in the area during the year.

Orkney Enterprise also took the lead in a co-ordinated effort to provide help and support for those affected by redundancy at the Flotta oil terminal. The multi-agency approach through the Scottish Executive's PACE (Partnership for Continued Employment) initiative provides a co-ordinated effort in the face of large-scale redundancies.

Approval of 39 community action grants worth £59,310 was provided to local voluntary, arts and sports groups during the year. These included development funding for a play area in Westray - one of the most fragile communities in the Highlands and Islands, and a wide ranging arts development plan was also produced with Orkney Enterprise funding which helped to point the way forward for the local arts scene.

Chief executive of Orkney Enterprise Ken Grant said: "Financial support to businesses, communities and individuals will continue to be a big part of what we do. Demand for advice and support on marketing, management and human resources issues has increased this year and will continue to be a significant part of our services in the future.

"Whilst there are many challenges ahead for the people of Orkney, there is also a lot to look forward to. We have recently completed Kiln Corner - a joint project with Scottish Homes and Orkney Housing Association for an advance office facility in Kirkwall which is capable of providing up to 50 high quality jobs.

"Plans for a multi-million pound container transhipment terminal at Scapa Flow which could deliver significant long term benefits to the county are also progressing well, as are the proposals to establish a marine energy test centre near Stromness.

"To reflect the importance of the food and drink sector, Orkney Enterprise in conjunction with Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Quality Food and Drink Ltd have recently formulated a strategy for the sector over the next 4-5 years. This reflects our on-going commitment to long term planning and our acknowledgement that the future success both economically and socially for Orkney lies in building effective public and private partnerships like this."

To receive a copy of the Orkney Enterprise annual report, contact Louise Swanney on 01856 874638.

Key Outputs for Orkney Enterprise during the year 2000-2001:

* £772,800 investment approved to 85 business development projects, creating/retaining 177 full-time equivalent jobs and levering over £3.5 million pounds from private sector sources;

* £807,000 towards developing skills;

* 16 organisations achieved recognition as Investors in People;

* £59,310 investment approved through 39 community action grant applications, levering in £673,800 from other sources.